Industry leaders call for Smart, Safe and Sustainable Buildings for all at Windows Doors & Facades Event

Top regional decision makers and experts discussed the future of facades at the Middle East Facades Summit, the event’s high level conference.

The regional building codes for fire and life safety have evolved and the UAE now leads by example, experts announced.

The largest event for windows, doors and facades in the Middle East officially opened today at the Dubai World Trade Centre. Inaugurated by HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), the third edition of Windows Doors & Facades (WDF) will run until September 25.

Over 150 exhibitors from 14 different countries, including Germany, India, Italy, Korea, Spain, Turkey, UAE and United Kingdom are introducing innovative and never before seen products to the region. Contemporary aesthetics paired with smart, sustainable and safe solutions being on topothe agenda, the event offers an exciting glimpse into the homes of the future.

On its first day, WDF gathered to its Middle East Facades Summit hundreds of high profile professionals from the private and government sectors involved in the planning and execution of some of the largest projects in the region.

Themed “Future Forward: Revolutionizing the Next Generation Facades”, the Summit unveiled the technological advancement at the core of the industry’s transformation. Andy Dean, Head of Facades at WPS, Armin Buchbinder, Head of Design at BSBG, and Douglas Sum, Associate – facades Services Group Leader at Aurecon, were some of the industry leaders who addressed the development of Smart, Safe and Sustainable façades – “The 3 S”.

Arvind Kumar, Manager of Architectural Advisory Technal Middle East, and Chairman of the Middle East Facades Summit, commented:

“I believe these are the most sought-after topics for Middle East industry stakeholders today as the buildings are getting taller, complex and cost driven.”

Arvind Kumar, Manager of Architectural Advisory Technal Middle East, chairing the Middle East Facades Summit

Buildings need to be economically viable without compromising the façade aesthetics and performance. Smart solutions are crucial to this end. “Today, our speakers shared very interesting thoughts on the challenges and the many opportunities that technology offers to make smarter, cost-effective and viable facades of 2020,” Kumar stated.

On the second “S”, the Safety issue - which was at the core of last year’s Middle East Facades Summit, he added:

“The regional building codes for fire and life safety have evolved. The UAE has led by example and have implemented the right guidelines for the industry.”

A number of keynotes and panel sessions also debated what’s next for facades in terms of Sustainability, from capturing the abundant sun in the region to boosting façade performance. With 40% of global energy being consumed by buildings, Anoop Babu, MENA Regional Manager of the Architectural Solar Association, called for greater awareness, education and use of Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV).

Anoop Babu, MENA Regional Manager of ASA, speaking at Middle East Facades Summit

More than 20 seminar sessions will further investigate advancements and best practices in the industry at the Facades Seminar Series. Running on 24-25 September, these complimentary CPD (Continuing Professional Development) accredited workshops will focus on the most pressing industry challenges offering viable solutions to increase facades’ sustainability, energy efficiency and fire safety. They will also explore latest developments in
BIM, technological innovation and smart design, among others.

Muhammed Kazi, Portfolio Director at dmg events, stated: “Windows Doors & Facades Event proves to be a guiding light for the regional industry. Last year, the show had a strong focus on the theme of fire-safety and we are now extremely glad to witness the huge improvements made in this regard by the industry in the UAE and the broader region.

“This year, we look forward to shedding light on the immense opportunities offered by technology. An outstanding line-up of speakers is steering the future of facades in the region, at both our Summit and the Seminar Series. Moreover, some incredibly innovative and groundbreaking solutions are being presented by exhibiting companies at WDF. These will have a tremendous impact on the built environment in terms of efficiency, sustainability and improved aesthetics.”

Windows Doors & Facades Event is supported by Titanium Sponsor, Schuco; Safety Partner, UL; Supporting Institute, CIOB; Supporting Associations, QMEA, ASA, AIA Middle East, OSH Association, Solar GCC Alliance, ift ROSENHEIM, and Contractors Association; Founding Partners, Orgadata, Elumatec, and Schuco.

Organised by dmg events, Windows Doors & Facades Event takes place on 23-25 September at the Dubai World Trade Centre (Halls 6, 7 and 8) from 10 am to 7 pm daily, and co-located with FM EXPO, the region’s largest dedicated event for the facilities management industry.

The event is free to attend. To know more about WDF visit: www.wdfevent.ae.